At a public hearing in Concord, people argued for both sides of the debate.

Bobcat hunting was outlawed in New Hampshire in 1989 because the animals were nearly wiped out, but now the population has rebounded, state officials said.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is proposing to issue 50 bobcat permits through a lottery process.

Opponents of the plan said it’s inhumane.

“They do not deserve to be trapped, set there for days, no shelter, no water, no food, and have other animals attacking them because they are vulnerable,” one person said.

“I don’t think the time is right. We are premature in our efforts to try and manage a population that is just getting back on its feet,” another person said.

Supporters said there are enough bobcats to support a limited hunt, and neighboring states have bobcat seasons.

“We hope that you pass this so we can start taking cats and quickly show the public that there’s a lot more cats out there than they realize,” a supporter of the plan said.

“We, as sportsmen, feel you have an obligation to vote yes, in favor of having a bobcat season. A vote no would be a vote against the very principles that we, as a nation, have fought and died for,” another supporter said.

If approved, the proposal would take effect in December. The Fish and Game Commission will vote on the proposal in about two weeks.

“It’s simple. If you don’t want to hunt them or trap them, don’t. But don’t stop those of us who enjoy this pastime and our heritage,” one person said.

“The overwhelming public outcry is because New Hampshire residents do not want their wildlife sold as a commodity,” an opponent of the plan said.